The Best is Yet to Come in 2011

Enjoy your celebrations!

Festivities are coming to an end, decorations are starting to come down and the kids are back to school soon … ahhh the week after Christmas … a time of relaxation, regrouping and rejuvenating. With the New Year around the corner it's the perfect time to reflect on the year that's past and look forward to all the great things to come. This time I’m going to keep my New Year’s resolutions too! Top of my list: Finally get to a hot yoga class (I've been trying for months!) and stick to my workout regimen (already started ... slowly). The biggest excuse ever is that there's no time with kids, career and everything else in life. But I have a feeling that this is going to be a year of new beginnings... I'm very excited. Happy New Year to you and yours! Be safe. ~ KLB

It's time to focus on family

Don't let the season pass you by.

'Tis the season to be merry .... or is it? For most of us it's a time of running around getting last-minute gifts, sending over-priced Xmas cards, figuring out what to get grandma (because she has everything) and fighting traffic at the malls. Sound fun? No matter who you are and what traditions you hold ~ if you've got a full-time job and kids it can get crazy.
I decided to cut down on printed holiday cards this year. Not only to save some trees but with the convenience of social media outlets such as Facebook I can say hello to friends and family in one shot. Easy. Yes I'll admit this might seem lazy but Christmas seems to have crept up this year and with only five nights until the big man in red comes, I better get crackin' with gifts to wrap and trees to trim. I've always loved this time of year! I just wish it wasn't flying by without a moment to think about the true meaning of the season. So from me to you, when it's time to shut off the computer and say good-bye to the office for the holiday, just do it. You won't regret it. Happy Holidays! ~KLB

Exercise balances you inside and out

Exercise is essential to a good life.

You'd think that because I've worked in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years now that I'd be full-on into my workout routine 24-7. Well, think again. I find it tough to fit in too! After changing career paths, changing houses, two kids, and a killer commute to the city everyday, I'll admit my training regimen hasn't been up to snuff lately. So my husband and I have recently agreed to jump right in ~ there's no time like the present, right? We're not waiting for our New Year's resolutions to start. Why wait? Here are some tips to help you get in the swing of things too, good luck!
1. Stop procrastinating! Working out and eating healthy are essentials to a good life. If anything else, do it for your kids or they'll always have more energy than you.

2. Find a workout partner. If you're flying solo, no problem! Take up a Yoga or Pilates class with a friend or go for a fast walk three times a week with a neighbour.

3. Set a specific time to work out and stick to it. After the kids are in bed, after the lunches are made, after homework is done, after you've checked your email. Instead of watching the finals of your favourite reality show, DVR it and watch another time. Believe me, you'll probably lose interest anyways which means more time to exercise. Hey, there really are no excuses so get moving! ~ KLB

Working women: Just the facts, ma'am

Today working women are a driving force in our country's economic recovery. Some interesting facts courtesy of The Women's Enterprise Centre, 2010:
> Women contribute over $18 billion annually to the Canadian economy
> Women make up a larger share of the self-employed than any other country
> There are more than 821,000 women entrepreneurs in Canada
So remember if you're a working mom who wonders if you're making a contribution outside of the home, well you are... in more ways than one. ~KLB

The Perfect Gift ~ Custom Creations

Swag Barn creations by Caren Brown

Talk about innovative ladies ~ my sis has been making jewellery for a while now and she loves it! What started out as a nighttime hobby has now turned into a small business of Christmas craft sales and home parties. If I do say so myself, she is extremely talented and her designs rock! With the holiday season upon us, homemade gifts are the perfect idea for that special friend, grandma, mom or daughter.
Check out Caren Brown's jewellery-making blog at www.swagbarn.blogspot.com for some cool, custom creations. She's also now doing girls' birthday parties ages 6-12! What fun! Now if only I had girls...  ~KLB

Yo Mama, it's that time of year again

The holidays can be hectic

Ever feel like a yo-yo? Back and forth to hockey games... to birthday parties... to play dates... to the park? No matter what time of year, moms (and dads) are always on the go. After all, it comes with the job description. :~)
So there's no surprise that with the holiday season upon us there's even more excitement in and around the household... at school... the office... and in the malls. Hey, wouldn't it be nice to have a stress-free December? Here's an idea Mrs. Claus, perhaps instead of a million little toys for the boys this year, why not pick up one big gift and spend the rest of your efforts on their stockings? Or better yet, plan a special outing for everyone to the science centre, ice skating, or to a movie to replace a bunch of prezzies. This way not only will you be spending more time as a family, but you can pick the day that works best for your schedule, and you'll have less wrapping! Ta-da!  Here's a nice little website with some neat gift ideas and thoughts on how to kick it up a notch with the family this season yoyomama.ca. ~KLB

Balancing the Mother Load

When I started this blog, a friend of mine recommended that I check out a site called Balance the Mother Load. For those of you who feel like you’re in a rut and need someone to speak to who isn’t in your immediate circle of friends, family or the local mother-goose club, Carly Cooper is a Life Coach for “ambitious, high-achieving working moms.” Whether you want to chat on the phone, online, or join the Ambitious Working Moms Meetup group, this busy lady can help you become the master of your own unique mama plan. It's wonderful to see so many ambitious moms out there following their passions and helping others do the same. :) ~KLB